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18
Tuberculosis.—The deaths from Phthisis of the Lung numbered
41, or 16 less than in the previous year, and 12 less than the
yearly average for the preceding 5 years. Three of these 41 deaths
occurred in persons who had been removed to the Edmonton
Workhouse.
From forms of Tuberculosis other than Phthisis there were
18 deaths registered, a decrease of 8 compared with the year 1909.
The total deaths from all forms of Tuberculosis were, therefore,
59, or 24 less than in the previous year.
This is the smallest number of deaths due to Tuberculosis in
any year since 1900. Nevertheless nearly one-fourth of the deaths
occurring in the middle thirty years of life are due to Phthisis
alone.
By an Order of the Local Government Board, the Medical
Officers and certain other officials in the service of the Poor Law
Guardians are directed to notify to the Medical Officer of Health
cases of Phthisis occurring among their Poor Law patients.
During the year I have had 11 such cases notified to me.
In each case a visit or visits have been paid to the house of
the patient. In those cases where the patient had not been
admitted into the Workhouse, verbal and printed directions were
given as to the avoidance of the spread of infection, and where
necessary disinfection of rooms or articles of bedding, clothing,
etc., has been carried out (see Appendix).
Similar preventive measures are carried out in other cases of
Phthisis brought to my knowledge, when they appear necessary
or desirable.